Liquid–liquid extraction of gallium(III) with n-octylaniline from succinate media

The distribution equilibrium of gallium(III) between n-octylaniline dissolved in toluene and acidic aqueous succinate media has been investigated as a function of the con- centration of extractant in the organic phase and concentration of hydrogen ions and gal- lium(III) ions in the aqueous phase. The stoichiometry of the extracted species was deter- mined on the basis of slope analysis. Gallium(III) is extracted by the anion exchange mecha- nism as RNH3 + Ga(succinate)2org. The temperature dependence of the extraction equilibria was examined by the temperature variation method. The extraction process is favoured with increasing temperature. It was found that a large number of cations and anions have a high tolerance limit. The selectivity of the extraction is increased by the use of suitable masking agents. The method affords the binary separation of gallium(III) from associated elements and was further extended to the analysis of a synthetic mixture.